Tag Archives: Placerville real estate agent

Backyard DIY Inspirations: Backyard Bliss

Your backyard is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. But if you’re looking for a few simple projects that can add to your enjoyment, this blog is for YOU filled with backyard DIY inspirations.

From building a fire pit to creating a ‘grillzebo’, there are plenty of projects that you can do yourself. And even if you’re not handy, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start enjoying your backyard! Here are a few backyard DIY inspirations:

Let’s Discuss that ‘Grillzebo’

You can entertain and feed your guests without ever having to leave your shish kebabs unattended! If you’re looking for outdoor bar ideas or DIY gazebo plans, this “grillzebo” is perfect. It’s as simple as selecting a pre-fab gazebo that’s big enough to accommodate most standard grills, but small enough to fit on your existing patio. Customize your own with lighting, grill accessory storage, wine glass racks, or built-in coolers. It promises to be the hub of your outdoor activities.

Privacy: Form Meets Function

Backyard privacy screens are a great way to add privacy to your outdoor space. They can be used to block out nosy neighbors, create a more intimate setting for entertaining, or simply provide a sense of seclusion. There are many different types of backyard privacy screens available, made from a variety of materials, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.

Check out some popular types of privacy screens:

Wooden privacy screens are classic and stylish. They can be painted or stained to match your home’s exterior.
Vinyl privacy screens are durable and low-maintenance. They come in a variety of colors and styles.
Metal privacy screens are strong and weatherproof. They can be made from wrought iron, aluminum, or steel.
Bamboo privacy screens are natural and elegant. They add a touch of tropical flair to your backyard.
Planter privacy screens are a creative way to add privacy and greenery to your outdoor space. You can plant shrubs, vines, or trees in front of the planter to create a natural barrier. Consider adding boxes or pots to your screen for added color!

The Delight of a Fire pit

Fire pits and relatively inexpensive and easy to create. Check out all the details here and then imagine yourself enjoying it by:

Cooking: Roast marshmallows, make s’mores, or cook hot dogs and hamburgers over the fire.
Cozying up: Gather around the fire with friends and family for a chat, game night, or movie night.
Relaxing: Enjoy the warm glow of the fire and the sound of crackling flames.
Entertaining: Host a party or barbecue around the fire.
Romantic: Create a romantic atmosphere by lighting candles and listening to music.

No matter how you enjoy your outdoor fire pit, it’s sure to be a fun and memorable experience.

Takeaway

Click here to learn more about these great backyard solutions. Your own oasis will be ‘summer ready’ in no time.

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Dreaming of Summer

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Are you dreaming of summer? Well, the summer solstice has arrived. Did you know that “solstice” actually means “sun standing still” in Latin? Yes, on the summer solstice, the sun seems to take a break and hang out in the sky, urging us to enjoy summer fun.

But here’s an interesting fact: even though it’s the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s not necessarily the hottest. The real heatwave usually hits a few weeks later, so don’t put away those fans just yet!

But enough about science, let’s enjoy summer’s outdoor bounty here in Folsom.

Folsom’s Bike Trails (Pedestrians enjoy them too!)

Folsom is home to more than 50+ miles of Class I bike and pedestrian trails for biking and hiking. For the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, please use trail safety guidelines.

Humbug-Willow Creek Trail. Folsom’s trails are mainly located in this section of the trail system located along the Humbug Creek and Willow Creek corridor.

Folsom Rail Trail along Folsom Boulevard. Folsom Lake Trail with connections to the Johnny Cash Trail and the American River Trail.

Oak Parkway Trail between Blue Ravine Road and E. Natoma Street.

Kayak Folsom Lake

Folsom Lake provides some of the best paddling experiences imaginable throughout its 75 shoreline miles. You’ll find sandy beaches and an endless supply of secluded coves, with water so clear you can see to the bottom.

While you’re dreaming of summer, get out there and enjoy the sunshine!

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Dad’s Must-Haves in a New Home

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Father’s Day is just around the corner and I thought it might be fun to check out the five most important things on Dad’s new-home checklist. Of course, not all dads are created equal, but let’s check out five of the most common must-have items for dads:

Dad’s Must-Haves

A spacious backyard: The cliché is true. Dads love to grill, invite friends over, play catch with the kids, and grow the best tomatoes in the neighborhood. Dads want a place for their kids to run and play, so a spacious backyard is a must-have. It would be great if the backyard also has a playset, a sandbox, or a basketball hoop.

A garage: A garage is a great place for dads to store their tools and toys, and it can also be used as a workshop or a man cave. If the garage has epoxy floors, great storage, and loft storage it’s even better!

A home office: Even a dad who doesn’t work remotely enjoys an office to store files, pay bills or even relax and unwind with a good book—or a good game on tv.

A primary bedroom with all the good stuff: Grown-ups love private space and a spacious, airy primary suite with a beautiful bathroom and large closets is on the wish list of nearly every dad.

A neighborhood with good schools: Dads desire a neighborhood with good schools so that their kids can get a quality education.

Are you a Dad Searching for a New Home?

Here are some additional tips to consider:

Consider your family’s needs: When you are looking for a new home, it is important to consider the needs of your entire family. Do you have young children who need a lot of space to run and play? Do older children who need their own bedrooms? How about pets? Once you know what your family’s needs are, you can start looking for a home that meets those needs.
Set a budget: It is important to set a budget before you start looking at homes. This helps narrow your options and avoid getting in over your head financially.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will give you an idea of how much you can afford to spend on a home. It also makes the home-buying process go more smoothly.
Work with a real estate agent: A real estate agent will help you find the perfect home for your family. They will also help you negotiate the price of the home and close the deal.

So, Happy Father’s Day to all the dads. And, if appropriate, Happy Home Hunting! Let me know if you have questions. We are always here to help.

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Enjoy the Folsom Wildflower Superbloom

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The Superbloom has arrived!

Folsom is beautiful year-round, but in the spring, Folsom is home to a stunning display of wildflowers. And with abundant rainfall and recent warm weather, the so-called Folsom wildflower “Superbloom” is in progress, and you don’t want to miss it. The hills and meadows are awash in color with a variety of wildflowers, including California poppies, lupines, irises, and buttercups.

There are several places to view wildflowers in Folsom.

Some of the most popular spots include:

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area: This park is home to a variety of wildflowers, including California poppies, lupines, and irises. The best place to see the wildflowers in the park is along the American River Parkway.
Beeks Bight: This is a small cove located on the western shore of Folsom Lake. It is a popular spot for birdwatching and wildflower viewing.
Avery’s Pond: This is a small pond located in the heart of Folsom. It is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The wildflowers can be found along the shores of the pond.
Middleridge Trail: This is a 10-mile trail that winds through the hills of Folsom. It is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The wildflowers can be found along the trail.
Darrington Trail: This is a 5-mile trail that winds through the hills of Folsom. It is a popular spot for hiking and biking with wildflowers along the trail.

A Few Tips for Viewing Folsom Wildflowers

Plan your visit for the right time. Enjoy your wildflower excursion between today and mid-May.
Dress for the weather and be sure to pack a hat and sunscreen.
Bring water and snacks to stay hydrated and fueled, especially if you are hiking or biking. And a little picnic in the wildflowers is an added plus!
Leave no trace. Be sure to pack out all of your trash and stay on the trails.

Have a wonderful time exploring the Folsom wildflowers. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

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Green Looks Good on You

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In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, a limerick:

On St. Paddy’s Day the crowds roar, With marching parades and much more

The green is so bright, It’s such a grand sight,

To celebrate friends we adore!

It’s time for a little St. Patrick’s Day fun with family and friends! Check out these local ideas for celebrating the Irish and keep scrolling for a tasty GREEN smoothie that’s a perfect addition to your St. Paddy’s breakfast menu.

How About a Little Irish Music to Put Some Pep in Your Step?

This treat for the whole family features multi-instrumentalists from the Kerry Traditional Band led by the great Ryan McKasson on fiddle. Can you imagine the explosive sound of bodhran, fiddles, uilleann pipes, guitar, flutes and dancing feet roaring through the theatre? You will be transported to the Emerald Isle for an unforgettable Irish night. Be ready to leave the theatre with a jig in your step!

Click here for event details.

Leprechauns at the Old Sacramento Waterfront

The Luck of the Irish abounds at the Old Sacramento Waterfront in March! A parade, live musical entertainment, outdoor beer gardens and a chance to find Leprechauns hiding throughout the charming historic district. Wear your jolly green apparel and prepare for fun.

All the Details.

Back to the Healthy Breakfast

I admit that a green smoothie isn’t very appetizing, but I guarantee that you’ll fall in love with this healthy, breakfast drink. It’s perfect with a scone or some Irish Soda Bread.

Yum! Check out the recipe filled with spinach, pineapple, citrus and more.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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The Power of an Open House

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There is no doubt that selling a Folsom home can be a challenging and time-consuming task, but luckily we have lots of tools to make the process easier and more effective. Although some people doubt the effectiveness of holding an open house, I can assure you that it can be a powerful tool to attract potential buyers and close the deal quickly.

An open house is an event that allows interested buyers to tour a property that is up for sale without the pressure of scheduling an appointment with a real estate agent. The more relaxed atmosphere allows an opportunity for sellers to showcase their homes and for buyers to get a feel for the property’s layout, features, and neighborhood.

Here are some of the reasons why an open house is important when selling a home:

An Open House attracts more buyers

An open house is an excellent way to attract more buyers to your property. By scheduling a specific day and time, you can create a sense of urgency and exclusivity that encourages people to attend. We also promote the event through various channels, such as social media, online listing services, and neighborhood flyers to reach a wider audience and assure maximum visibility.

An Open House allows buyers to visualize the property

Seeing a property in person can make a huge difference versus viewing it online. An open house allows buyers to leisurely walk through the property, explore each room, and get a sense of how the home flows and how it might work for them. This tactile experience can help buyers visualize themselves living in the home and can make them more emotionally invested in the property. I regularly see buyers “fall in love” when they experience sitting on the patio overlooking the view of distant hills!

An Open House provides immediate feedback

An open house is an excellent way to get immediate feedback from potential buyers. During the event, buyers may ask questions, express their opinions, and provide valuable insights that can help you understand what people are looking for in a home. This feedback can help you make necessary changes or improvements to the property to make it more appealing to buyers which can expedite a sale.

An Open House saves time and effort

Hosting an open house can save you time and effort in the long run. Instead of scheduling multiple individual showings, you can showcase your home to many potential buyers at once. This approach can help you streamline the sales process and potentially close the deal more quickly.

I thoroughly enjoy meeting potential buyers at an open house. If you’re considering selling your Folsom home, be sure to work with a professional real estate agent who can help you plan and execute a successful open house. Call me today to learn more!

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Seven Swaps that Buyers Will Love!

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Selling a home can be a stressful and daunting process, especially if you want to sell it quickly and at a good price. Fortunately, there are several affordable updates that you can make to your Folsom home that can significantly increase its appeal to potential buyers. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best affordable updates to make when you are selling a home.

Paint

One of the most affordable and effective updates you can make to your home is to give it a fresh coat of paint. A new coat of paint can make your home look cleaner, brighter, and more modern. Stick to neutral colors, such as beige or gray, which will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.

Lighting

Good lighting can make your home look larger and more welcoming. Consider updating your light fixtures to more modern, energy-efficient options. You can also add lamps or additional light fixtures to rooms that may be dimly lit.

Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it’s important to make a good first impression. Simple updates such as adding some plants or flowers to your yard, power washing your home’s exterior, and painting your front door can make a big impact.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home and can be a major selling point. However, you don’t need to completely remodel your kitchen to make it more appealing. Instead, focus on smaller updates such as painting or replacing cabinet doors, updating hardware, and replacing outdated appliances.

Bathroom

Bathrooms are another area that buyers pay close attention to, but updating your bathroom doesn’t have to be expensive. Try a few simple things such as painting the vanity, updating the faucet, and adding new towels and bathmats can make a big difference in the visual appeal of the room.

Flooring

Updating your flooring can be a more expensive update, but it can also significantly increase the value of your home. If you can’t afford to replace your flooring, consider having it professionally cleaned or adding an area rug to cover any worn areas.

Declutter

Finally, one of the most affordable updates you can make is to declutter your home. Remove any personal items, excess furniture, and clutter from your home. This will make your home look more spacious and allow potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space.

Making affordable updates to your Folsom home can significantly increase its appeal to potential buyers. Updates such as painting, improving lighting, updating the kitchen and bathroom, and decluttering can make a big difference. With a little effort and some smart updates, you can help your home sell quickly and at a good price.

And don’t forget the importance of an experienced realtor with neighborhood expertise. Call Margaret, your Folsom Realtor, today! (916) 203-3765

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What Your Realtor is Doing “When You’re Not Looking!”

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Relax. I’m not suggesting anything covert or shady. I’d like to share a few of the things that you should expect from a great realtor. Because what she is doing when “you’re not looking” makes all the difference in a successful real estate transaction.

Let’s check out a few examples

PREPARATION IS THE KEY

A great realtor doesn’t just “happen.” A great realtor masters her craft by analyzing market trends and enrolling in continuing education classes for additional certifications. While you’re not looking, she is touring properties and visiting homes that might be suitable for her client. She busily cultivates relationships with tradespeople including stagers, contractors, and landscapers to create a little black book of trusted professionals.

That’s what it takes for a realtor to be prepared for your phone call!

AND THEN THE PLANNING BEGINS!

When you aren’t looking, your realtor is creating lists, checking them twice, and potentially creating more lists! If you are listing a property, planning begins before the listing appointment. She will have done her homework by preparing a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for your home, and will be armed with a personal knowledge of real estate activity in your neighborhood, and will have a targeted marketing plan for your property.

And then, when your back is turned, a great realtor executes the plan!

NOW FOR THE FOLLOW-UP

A great realtor loves phone calls, texts, and email because follow-up is critical in both the buying and selling process. Feedback from agents who have visited a listing is critical for helping Sellers make decisions regarding sales price, changes in staging details or to have the knowledge needed to pivot in the changing needs of the Folsom real estate market.

Experience matters.

LET’S NEGOTIATE

When you’re not looking, your realtor contacts other agents regarding potential offers, then analyzes terms and contingencies to guide you through the negotiation process. She will negotiate the best deal for YOU, not the loan officers, not the buyers, and certainly not for herself. Integrity matters.

AND FINALLY, SHE NEVER SLEEPS ON A TRANSACTION

Transactions don’t close themselves! While you’re back is turned, your realtor works tirelessly with the other agent, lenders, inspectors, appraisers, transaction coordinators, contractors, and more to ensure a smooth close.

Of course, issues can come up during escrow. A great realtor can often foresee the issues and in many cases, the client doesn’t even know that there was a glitch in the transaction. And if the deal does get a little dicey, she is there to counsel you all the way.

FINALLY

The Melville Group would be proud to work behind your back and assist you while you’re not looking. We are excited to roll up our sleeves and put our experience to work for YOU. Call now to learn more about the current market and to determine if it’s a good time for you to make a move.

We want to be your Folsom Realtors! Call Margaret today. (916) 203-3765

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